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Kautilya Society

Welcome to the Kautilya Society – NUSRL

An initiative under the aegis of the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, the Kautilya Society – NUSRL is dedicated to fostering a culture of legal innovation, legislative analysis, and public policy exploration among students. This platform empowers future legal professionals to engage meaningfully with the country’s policy landscape, driving impactful reforms and advancing socio-economic progress.
Aligned with Vidhi’s ethos of non-partisan engagement and research excellence, the Kautilya Society at NUSRL serves as a bridge between academic rigour and practical policymaking, equipping students to become leaders in governance and public service.
The Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy (Vidhi) is a distinguished independent think tank dedicated to advancing legal research for the creation of better laws and governance systems that serve the public good. Established in 2013, Vidhi operates as a not-for-profit entity under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 (formerly Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956). Its mission is realized through rigorous, peer-reviewed research, strategic engagement with central and state governments, and impactful litigation to address pressing legal and policy concerns. Vidhi’s foundational principles of non-partisan engagement, research excellence, and independence underscore its commitment to meaningful reform.
Vidhi’s origins trace back to 2009-10, when a group of graduate students identified significant deficiencies in the Indo-US nuclear liability bill. Their proactive submission of an unsolicited report to Parliament’s Standing Committee led to the adoption of several of their recommendations, many of which now form part of the legislative framework. This pioneering spirit of high-quality research combined with targeted stakeholder engagement remains central to Vidhi’s ethos. Over the years, Vidhi has made seminal contributions to India’s legal landscape, including the establishment of a new bankruptcy ecosystem, the drafting of the data protection bill, and the repeal of 119 discriminatory laws affecting persons with leprosy.
In 2019, Vidhi introduced the Kautilya Societies, an innovative initiative aimed at fostering legislative drafting and policy analysis skills among university students across India. These societies empower students to delve into public policy as a viable career path while simultaneously contributing to legal reform. Students engaged in Kautilya Societies undertake rigorous research to identify gaps in law, governance, and regulation, often culminating in the production of research reports and parliamentary submissions. They also contribute to the broader policy discourse by organising events and discussions on contemporary legal developments.
The Kautilya Societies serve as an invaluable platform for students to cultivate practical experience in public policy, governance, and allied fields such as advocacy, consultancy, development, and research. Through close collaboration with seasoned professionals, students gain insights and build networks that significantly enhance their professional trajectories. Additionally, these societies instil a sense of civic responsibility, nurturing the next generation of informed and conscientious citizens.
The inaugural Kautilya Society was established at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, and the initiative has since expanded to law schools across several states, including the National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi. By equipping students with the tools to navigate and influence the policy landscape, the Kautilya Societies play a pivotal role in shaping India’s future policymakers and legal practitioners.

Nodal Team
Dr. Utkarsh Verma

Faculty Co-ordinator

Contact: +91 9472772765

Gaurav Kumar Mandal

Convenor

Contact: +91 9142070677

Sumit Kumar Singh

Co-Convenor

Contact: +91 7488924785


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